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A Summary (1) The Letter from a Birmingham Jail was written in 1963 by Martin Luther King. It consists of three parts: a) addressing criticism b) promotion of the idea of non-violent resistance as the only way to insure racial equality in U. S. c) conclusion. In the first section of his letter, Martin Luther King explains the reason why the idea of peaceful negotiations needs to be supported by what he refers to as direct actions.
In this section, he also tells the readers why it is inappropriate to think of him as extremist. In the second part of his letter, author develops his thesis even further and provides readers with the insight on the essence of non-violent resistance. In the third part of the letter, King comes up with closing remarks that prove once again his unshakable belief in the ideals of racial equality. (2) The main idea of Letter from a Birmingham Jail is that civil rights is not something given, but rather taken. King points out to the fact that, in order for the negotiations to be effective, participating parties must respect each other points of view. This can only be possible if opposing opinions are associated with political power. According to martin Luther King, the acts of non-violent resistance, on the part of Blacks, are meant to entitle them with such power, because these acts simply could not be ignored by White majority.
King insists that taking active stance in life, on the part of his supporters, is nothing but the proof of their loyalty to Christianity as religion. Participating in the acts of civil disobedience is not simply appropriate but necessary. After having established this, King proceeds with the line of his arguments, in order to turn his critics into his supporters. He compares himself to Apostle Paul, who traveled extensively, in order to spread the good news: I. compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town.
King ends his letter on a positive note, while suggesting that it is only the matter of time before truth will triumph: One day the South will recognize its real heroes. Bibliography: King, Martin Luther Letter from a Birmingham Jail. 1963. University of Pennsylvania. African Studies Centre. 7 Jan. 2008.
web Abstract: This paper summarizes Letter from a Birmingham Jail by martin Luther King. Outline: Part one Part two
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Research essay sample on Martin Luther King Birmingham Jail
